Schools and colleges are busy environments where buildings are constantly evolving. Classrooms are refurbished, IT infrastructure is upgraded, heating systems are replaced and maintenance work takes place throughout the year.

One of the biggest misconceptions we encounter is that asbestos is only an issue during major construction projects.

In reality, something as simple as installing new cabling, replacing doors or carrying out maintenance can disturb asbestos-containing materials if they have not been properly identified.

After more than 22 years working with educational establishments, we’ve found that the schools that manage asbestos most effectively are not necessarily those with the biggest estates—they are the ones with the best information and the clearest management processes.

What Does the Law Say?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places a duty on those responsible for non-domestic premises to manage asbestos risks appropriately.

For schools and colleges, this means taking reasonable steps to:

• Identify asbestos-containing materials where they may be present.
• Assess their condition.
• Maintain appropriate records.
• Manage the risks.
• Ensure anyone carrying out work has access to relevant information.

The objective is to prevent accidental disturbance and protect staff, contractors, pupils and visitors.

Why Schools Present Unique Challenges

Educational buildings often have:

• Multiple construction phases
• Older extensions alongside modern buildings
• Frequent maintenance activities
• Large numbers of contractors
• High daily occupancy

Many schools built or refurbished before the UK asbestos ban may still contain asbestos within ceilings, service ducts, insulation boards, floor coverings or pipe lagging.

This does not automatically mean a building is unsafe.

The key is understanding what is present and managing it appropriately.

What Does Good Asbestos Management Look Like?

In our experience, effective asbestos management is built around five principles:

1. Know what you have

An appropriate asbestos survey provides the foundation for good decision-making.

Assumptions should never replace evidence.

2. Maintain an accurate asbestos register

The register should reflect the current building, not how it existed years ago.

Where changes occur, information should be reviewed and updated where necessary.

3. Ensure contractors are informed

One of the biggest risks arises when maintenance contractors begin work without access to relevant asbestos information.

Communication is just as important as documentation.

4. Review management plans regularly

Buildings evolve.

Management plans should evolve with them.

Regular reviews help ensure information remains useful and practical.

5. Plan refurbishment properly

Before intrusive works begin, the correct survey should be commissioned so asbestos risks can be identified and managed before contractors arrive.

Common Mistakes We See

After working with schools and colleges for more than two decades, several themes appear repeatedly.

Assuming an old survey covers new works

A Management Survey does not necessarily provide the information required for refurbishment projects.

Keeping information but not sharing it

An asbestos register has little value if maintenance teams or contractors never see it.

Leaving asbestos until the summer holidays

Many schools schedule projects during holidays.

Unfortunately, leaving surveys until the same period can create programme pressures and unnecessary delays.

Treating asbestos as purely a compliance exercise

The best-managed schools use asbestos information as part of wider estate planning rather than simply fulfilling a legal requirement.

What We’ve Learned in 22 Years

The schools that experience the fewest problems are usually the ones that involve asbestos consultants early.

By contrast, the most difficult situations often arise when refurbishment plans are already finalised and asbestos considerations are introduced at the last minute.

Good asbestos management rarely attracts attention because everything proceeds smoothly.

Poor planning often becomes highly visible when projects are delayed or emergency investigations are required.

The Core Surveys Perspective

At Core Surveys, we understand that schools and colleges have competing priorities.

Budgets are limited, buildings are heavily used and maintenance windows are often short.

Our role is therefore not simply to identify asbestos but to provide practical information that helps education providers plan works safely and efficiently.

Because we deliver asbestos surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring through our own experienced team, we can provide coordinated support without relying on multiple providers.

We’ve worked with educational establishments ranging from individual schools to large estates, always with the same objective:

Provide reliable information early so informed decisions can be made with confidence.

Our Recommendations

Based on our experience, we recommend that schools and colleges:

• Keep asbestos information under regular review.
• Commission the correct survey before refurbishment works.
• Ensure contractors receive asbestos information before work starts.
• Use UKAS accredited organisations for surveys and analysis.
• Integrate asbestos management into wider estate planning.
• Treat asbestos management as an ongoing process rather than a one-off exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every school contain asbestos?

No. However, many buildings constructed or refurbished before the UK asbestos ban may contain asbestos-containing materials. The important step is identifying and managing any risks appropriately.

Does finding asbestos mean it must be removed immediately?

Not necessarily. Many asbestos-containing materials can be safely managed if they remain in good condition and are unlikely to be disturbed.

Why is planning important?

Early planning allows surveys and any necessary management measures to be incorporated into project programmes, reducing the likelihood of delays.

Can Core Surveys support multi-site education estates?

Yes. We regularly work with schools, colleges, academy trusts and public sector organisations, providing asbestos surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring across single and multi-site portfolios.

Why Organisations Choose Core Surveys

• Over 22 years of asbestos industry experience
• UKAS accredited for asbestos surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring
• Surveys, testing and air monitoring delivered under one roof
• In-house laboratory facilities
• Dedicated project coordinators
• Offices in East Sussex and South Wales
• Nationwide capability
• Experience supporting schools, universities, NHS Trusts, local authorities, national contractors and the Ministry of Defence

Our objective is not simply to produce reports—it is to help organisations manage asbestos intelligently, protect building users and keep projects moving.

Contact Core Surveys

If you’re responsible for a school or college in Wales and would like expert advice on asbestos management, speak to the experienced team at Core Surveys. We’ll help you understand your responsibilities, recommend the appropriate surveys and provide practical guidance based on more than 22 years of real-world experience.